Where to Stay in Lyon (5 Best Areas & Places, By a Local)

5 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Lyon

Lyon’s geography is defined by its two rivers, the Rhone and the Saône, and its two major hills, Fourvière and Croix Rousse. The city’s center lies on its peninsula (or presqu’île), bordered to the east by the Rhone and to the west by the Saône before their confluence at the peninsula’s southern point. North of the peninsula, the land becomes Croix Rousse hill.

West of the Saône is the Old City, which is backed by Fourvière hill. The area east of the Rhone are the 6th and 3rd arrondissements also called Brotteaux and Part-Dieu. It’s flatter and more residential. 

While Lyon is one of France’s largest cities, it’s not overwhelming. Most of its major landmarks and sights can be found in or near the city center, so it’s very manageable to cover a lot of ground in a short time. 

While Lyon is made up of nine arrondissements, I’ve grouped Lyon’s main areas to stay in by neighborhood, starting with the Old City.

Old City (Vieux Lyon)

👉 Best Area For First Timers | ✨ Best Old City Hotels: Villa Florentine • Le Phénix Hotel • Cour des Loges Lyon • Fourvière Hotel 

The Old City, or Vieux Lyon, in the 5^th arrondissement is arguably the most touristy part of the city. It’s absolutely stunning, perfect for wandering, and a great place to stay for any first-time visitor.

This area feels pulled out of a storybook with its medieval and Renaissance architecture and cobblestone streets. So, it’s no surprise that it can get crowded. Take your time exploring, taking photos, and soaking up the beauty of it all. Check out the traboules (hidden passageways) that weave between the buildings and their connecting miraboules (courtyards). 

Despite being touristy, the Old City still has a great atmosphere with many restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops. Chez Grand Mère, Notre Maison, and Boulangerie Saint-Paul are some of my favorites. 

There are several notable landmarks and museums here, and it’s close to other major sites. Check out the Gadagne’s Lyon History Museum to learn more about the city. Visit the café on the third floor which has a beautiful garden and is free to access outside a museum visit. 

One of my favorite hotels in the Old City is Le Phénix Hotel. It’s chic, comfortable, and has friendly service. Located along the Saône, the hotel gives you some breathing room from the crowds without sacrificing convenience. It was the perfect spot for my parents during their last visit to Lyon.

Another good option is Cour des Loges Lyon, which is a Radisson property, slightly tucked away from the main thoroughfare. This place is true Renaissance charm mixed with the modern. The common lounge areas are like sitting inside a 16th-century courtyard.  

If you want luxury, the Villa Florentine Hotel & Spa is arguably the best hotel in Lyon. It has elegant rooms and stellar views with a swimming pool overlooking the city.

Lastly, the Old City backs up against Fourvière hill, where you will find Basilique Notre Dame Fourvière, Musée de la Civilisation Gallo-Roman & Roman Amphitheater, the Tour Métallique, and St-Jean Cathedral. If you are truly interested in staying in Fourvière proper, try Fourvière Hotel which is a little oasis set back on the hill. But generally, I would not recommend staying here as it’s not conveniently located. 

Pros of Staying in the Old City:

• Beautiful, historic neighborhood 
• Conveniently located near restaurants and attractions
• Great atmosphere
• Largely pedestrian-only

Cons of Staying in the Old City:

• Very touristy and can get crowded
• Hotels can be pricier
• Cobblestone streets and older building structures can be difficult for the elderly or those with mobility issues
• Many buildings cannot accommodate elevators

La Presqu’île

👉 Best Area For Hustle and Bustle | ✨ Best Presqu’île Hotels: Hotel Dieu Intercontinental • Hotel de l’Abbaye • Boscolo Lyon Hotel & Spa 

This area situated on Lyon’s peninsula is primarily the 2nd arrondissement but is generally referred to simply as “La Presqu’île.” It is Lyon’s city center and commercial hub where you can find attractions, shopping, dining, and nightlife amidst beautiful 19th-century architecture. It can get very touristy and crowded at times, though. 

This neighborhood is a good option for almost anyone – families, couples, and travelers of any age. It’s convenient, pedestrian-friendly and, unlike many parts of Lyon, flat. A huge pedestrian street called Rue de la Republique, runs north-south through the center. 

A nice high-end and elegant accommodation option is Hotel Dieu Intercontinental, located in a former hospital turned commercial center and exposition space. 

For a more boutique option, Hotel de l’Abbaye is a charming former presbytery. Each floor of the hotel has a different theme, and the hotel’s restaurant L’Artichaut has a Michelin mention. Otherwise, there’s Boscolo Lyon Hotel & Spa, conveniently located near the Opera House and a short walk to the Old City.  

Be sure to also visit Place Bellecoeur, the official “heart” of Lyon, as well as Place des Terraux, where you can tour the Musée des Beaux-Arts and sit in its cloistered garden. Spend some time on Rue Mercier, a pedestrian street filled with lively restaurants, cafes, and bars, and head over to the banks of the Saone and enjoy an apéro along the water. 

Pros of Staying in the Presqu’ile Neighborhood:

• Central 
• Conveniently located near restaurants, sites, attractions and anything may need
• Lively
• Easy to navigate
• It can work for any type of traveler

Cons of Staying in Presqu’ile Neighborhood:

• Very touristy 
• Can get crowded
• Less character than some other parts of the city

Les Pentes

👉 Best Area For Bohemian and Younger Travelers | ✨ Best Pentes Hotels: Hotel Saint Vincent• Slo Hostel Lyon 

North of La Presqu’île, the land slopes upward toward Croix Rousse hill. Known as Les Pentes (1st arrondissement), this area is Lyon’s lively, artsy and bohemian quarter. Here, you’ll find plenty of bars, cafes, vintage clothing shops, concept stores, ceramics cafes, and street art.

Be sure to visit Rue de l’Abbé Rozier, or “coffee row” as I call it, and try Nuages Cafe, Kafé Stockholm or Kachka. Go vintage clothing shopping at FripesKetchup, have a drink and play foosball at Soif, hang out in Place Sathonay, and grab lunch at Le Perko Cafe.  

There are a few standard tourist attractions here, but this is really just a great neighborhood for hanging out and enjoying. There’s a diverse array of great restaurants, bars, and cafes. It’s a very fun part of town, but it’s not the best pick if you’re visiting with kids since it can get loud here at night.

There aren’t really any hotels in Les Pentes, but one option is Hotel Saint Vincent. While slightly out of the way on a sidestreet, it’s charming and welcoming.  

Slo Hostel Lyon is well situated in Les Pentes, not far from Place des Terraux and many great cafes. It also has a nice co-working space that allows drop-ins. Otherwise, there are plenty of possibilities for vacation rentals. 

Pros of Staying on Les Pentes:

• Vibrant and artsy 
• Great atmosphere
• Good dining and nightlife options
• Great local shopping

Cons of Staying on Les Pentes:

• Very few hotel options
• Not ideal for elderly or people with mobility problems
• Can get loud at night

Croix Rousse

👉 Best Area For a Local Feel & Longer Stays | ✨ Best Croix Rousse Hotels: Hotel Fort Saint-Laurent • Ibis Styles Croix Rousse • TRIBE Lyon Croix Rousse 

Croix Rousse (4th arrondissement) has an artsy spirit and a distinct feel. As the former neighborhood of Lyon’s 19th-century silkworkers, buildings here are unlike other parts of the city with high-ceiling apartments and huge windows. This neighborhood feels a bit like a village within the city, and there are many families with young kids living here. 

Hotel Fort Saint-Laurent is one of the only classic hotels in Croix Rousse. It’s an old stone fort perched on the eastern edge of the hill and has a great view over the Rhone. It has a beautiful outdoor dining area and a very distinguished feel. 

If you opt for a longer stay in Lyon, Croix Rousse could be a good option. As a local to Croix Rousse, I can attest to it. There’s little chance you would run into a tourist here. However, while everything you need for day to day life is here, the neighborhood is a bit inconvenient for visiting sites and attractions. So, you will have to continually make your way up and down the hill. 

Learn more about the famous silkworkers of Lyon at the Maison des Canuts. See the enormous and famous trompe de l’oeil Mural des Canuts. Take a walk in Parc de la Cerisaie and shop at the weekly market. 

Pros of Staying in Croix Rousse:

• Local feel 
• Not very touristy
• Good dining and shopping 
• Authentic and unique
• Good for families

Cons of Staying in Croix Rousse:

• Inconvenient for most sights and attractions
• Going up and down the hill can be exhausting
• Can feel a little sleepy

Brotteaux

👉 Best Area For Families | ✨ Best Brotteaux Hotels: Hotel Le Roosevelt • Grand Hotel des Brotteaux • Warwick Reine Astrid • Radisson Blu Hotel 

East of the Rhone River, you’ll find Lyon’s neighborhoods of Brotteaux (6th arrondissement). And, south of that, Part-Dieu (3rd arrondissement). Brotteaux and its environs are wealthier and more residential than other parts of Lyon, but it’s still pleasant and interesting with its leafy boulevards lined with cafes and shops. 

This area is next to Parc Tete d’Or, Lyon’s largest greenspace which has a zoo, botanical garden, small amusement park, boat pond, and several cafes. The park is the main attraction along with Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, a spectacular indoor food market. Not far is the modern art museum L’institute d’art contemporain. 

There are several nice hotels in this area, like the Grand Hotel des Brotteaux, which is refined and has a Parisian feel. The Warwick Reine Astrid is another good choice if you want to be near the park and wish to temporarily rent an apartment.  

South of the market is Gare Part-Dieu, Lyon’s train station, and the neighborhood becomes more commercial and utilitarian looking. While the Radisson Blu Hotel is here, I would only recommend staying here if you’re just passing through Lyon for a night. Otherwise, try to avoid staying in the Part-Dieu area.  

Pros of Staying in Brotteaux:

• Pretty and peaceful
• Close to Parc Tete d’Or
• Quieter but with plenty of dining options
• Good place for families

Cons of Staying in Brotteaux:

• Can be too quiet/sleepy
• Far from most major sites and attractions
• Less vibrant than other neighborhoods

Tips for Staying in Lyon

Invest in the Lyon City Card

Be sure to purchase the Lyon City Card if you want to explore all of Lyon’s popular sites and attractions. The card gets you free access to 26 museums, at least one free tour, savings on public transport and airport transfers, and more. The savings are worth it, believe me. You can order one before you arrive or buy one in Lyon. 

Wear Good Shoes

Lyon has two defining hills, Fourviere and Croix Rousse, which can be very wearying to climb again and again. There are public transport options available that will help you to avoid the hills. But be aware that you’ll likely be moving up and down inclines quite a bit if you want to explore neighborhoods like Les Pentes or take a walking tour. Prepare for all those hills by making sure you wear some good, sturdy walking shoes. 

Dress for All Types of Weather, Including Wind

Lyon’s weather can get weird. It shifts quite frequently, and often, a rainy morning turns into a hot, sunny afternoon. Also, it can get exceptionally windy here. Just prepare by dressing in layers and, ideally, try to have an umbrella handy.

Everyone Can Eat in Lyon

Lyon is a foodie’s heaven. Traditionally, it’s been one for carnivores with the meat-heavy and rich meals of the bouchons. However, the food scene here continually evolves. Vegans and vegetarians are no longer left without options. 

There may be the stereotype that Lyon is too traditional and proud to change its ways, but that is simply not true. With restaurants like Trefle, a fully vegetarian spin on the bouchon, vegan bakeries like Zoi, and vegan food tours popping up, there is something delicious here for everyone. 

FAQs about Lyon

What are the best parts of Lyon to stay in?

If you’re a first-time visitor, whether or not you have a short amount of time here, I recommend you stay in the Old City. Otherwise, the Presqu’ile is ideal for a short or long stay as you will have everything within reach. 

Coming for a weekend? Stay in the Presque’ile or Les Pentes. Families will likely enjoy staying on the Presqu’ile and Brotteaux, or in Croix Rousse for an extended stay. 

How many days is enough for Lyon?

Many people come to Lyon for 2-3 days. Lyon is not overwhelmingly large and its main attractions are quite concentrated. I would recommend a minimum of two days, preferably three. But there is plenty to keep you busy here as a visitor for at least a week. 

What areas of Lyon should I avoid staying in?

Avoid staying in Part-Dieu. It is convenient to the train station but it’s not a scenic or very interesting area of the city. As a tourist, I would also avoid staying in the 7th and 8th arrondissements. Lastly, avoid staying up in Croix Rousse if you only come for a quick trip. 

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Thank you for reading! I hope this guide has helped you to better plan a visit to Lyon. Please feel free to leave a comment below with questions, and I’ll be happy to answer.